Common Questions Asked About Underfloor Heating
If you are thinking about installing an underfloor heating system – you may have a number of questions around this heating option. Although many consider central heating systems that use radiators as the more traditional option – underfloor heating is becoming a more popular option – especially for new build properties.
We have created this blog post to answer some of the most common questions around underfloor heating. Although heating professionals will fully understand the benefits and features of underfloor heating systems – DIY clients or those who are arranging for an installation of an underfloor heating system and are looking to purchase a system for their heating professional to install may not fully understand the features and benefits.
As always – if you have any questions that weren’t covered in this article or you require further information on underfloor heating systems – please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today by sending us an email, using an online contact form on our website or telephone now!
What is Hydronic (Wet) Underfloor Heating?
The two main types of underfloor heating systems – wet or hydronic/electric underfloor heating. An underfloor heating system utilises pipes that dispense hot water around the system to heat the floor with wet underfloor heating systems or electrical elements that are powered with electricity for electric systems.
Hydronic underfloor heating systems are connected to a heat source which is typically the boiler but can use other heat sources such as a ground heat pump. As hydronic underfloor heating systems heat water at lower temperatures – this is a more energy-efficient solution compared to traditional heating systems such as radiator based systems.
Is Electric Underfloor Heating the Cheaper Option?
Many questions often revolve around the price of both systems to run. As mentioned in our underfloor heating myths article – people often think that electric underfloor heating is the cheaper option. Although electric underfloor heating systems are cheaper to install – electricity is much more expensive to run – making wet underfloor heating systems the cheaper option. They are more environmentally friendly which is why we only supply hydronic underfloor heating systems.
Is Underfloor Heating Difficult to Install?
Our underfloor heating systems are designed to be able to be installed by DIY installers and heating professionals alike. When an underfloor heating system is installed correctly – there is little to no maintenance required so this is why it’s important to find a heating professional to install an underfloor heating system if you are unsure about a DIY installation.
We don’t install – our systems are designed for you or your builder to fit, using detailed plans showing pipes and ducting across your building.
Our uniquely designed systems allow us to give you a £1m design guarantee for peace of mind.
Is Underfloor Heating Suitable for New Build Properties?
Underfloor heating is becoming the ideal choice for heating systems in new build properties. This is because of the fact that these heating systems are easily able to be integrated within the installation process. When installed with liquid floor screed – this is especially useful in the installation process as liquid floor screed is ideally suited for installation as you are able to walk on the screed surface withing 24-48 hours. The liquid floor screed can then be forced to dry if the rest of the build needs to be continued quickly.
Why is Liquid Floor Screed Recommended?
Liquid floor screed is highly recommended as the material to use when installing a hydronic underfloor heating system for a construction project. As touched upon, liquid floor screed is ideally suited to other tradesmen in a construction project. As well as these benefits, liquid floor screed actually increases the thermal efficiency of the underfloor heating system, nearly doubling the efficiency when compared to sand-based screeds that are also used in some installation projects. There are a variety of finishes that can be applied to the resulting screed that encases the underfloor heating system and liquid floor screed is ideally suited to smoothen uneven flooring for a smooth and fantastic finish every time.
Can An Underfloor Heating System be Installed in Older Properties?
Although new build properties are using underfloor heating systems more prevalently, this isn’t to say that older properties are not able to install underfloor heating systems. Older properties can also benefit from underfloor heating – with homeowners often looking to increase the thermal efficiency of older homes. Many projects see upgrades to areas of the home such as double or triple glazed windows, changes to doors or changes to other aspects of the property such as adding insulation – to increase the efficiency of older homes.
Underfloor heating fits perfectly into this category as you are able to massively increase the thermal efficiency of a home when compared to traditional heating systems. As underfloor heating heats rooms evenly, this even heat distribution allows for more efficient heating of rooms around the home. If improvements to glazing and overall insulation have been made – this further increases the energy efficiency of the underfloor heating system. Unfortunately, heating systems such as radiator based heating tend to have pockets of cold air which affects the ability to create a fully warm room.
Is Underfloor Heating Good for Health?
Some may be interested in the health benefits of underfloor heating systems. Compared to traditional heating systems – there are a variety of health benefits especially for those with allergies. Radiator systems if not constantly cleaned can disperse dust into their air which can irritate dust allergies. Other airborne allergies can also be irritated by radiator based heating systems with underfloor heating removing the need for radiators to be used at all. This is great for those who suffer from allergies and offers obvious health benefits for homeowners.
Is Hydronic Underfloor Heating Expensive?
Underfloor heating is a fairly big investment but has become much more affordable compared to the past. Underfloor heating systems are often associated with high rise properties or luxury hotels. This is simply not the case anymore with underfloor heating being an affordable option for many homeowners. As underfloor heating (especially with liquid floor screed) is more energy-efficient – homeowners gain savings on energy bills in the long term making this investment has the potential to pay dividends after future use.